The first round had ended in a hard-fought victory for the Empire, but the war was far from over.
After securing that victory, Frey wandered among the remaining imperial ships.
Lord Starlight .. despite carrying the entire battle on his own shoulders .. had not wavered, not even once.
With steady steps, he walked like a king among what was left of the imperial forces.
This was the worst phase of the war: the aftermath.
After they had won… after the fire that had kept their bodies standing burned out…
The soldiers of the Empire collapsed, one after another, unable to go on.
Some broke down from the pain and sheer exhaustion.
Others wept bitterly for the souls they'd lost .. loved ones who would never return.
They had paid a terrible price.
Even though they had won, they could not rejoice in their victory.
